I thought, This is music that really has formed our country. The conductor of the American Pops Orchestra is in back to back episodes of One Voice: The Songs We Share at 10 p.m. Friday on WVPBS. Click here to stay informed and subscribe to the Mountain States Trusted News Source. FRAZIER: I took a conducting job at a church out in northern Virginia. Artists like Midori, Patti Labelle, Joshua Bell, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Josh Groban and so many more have joined the orchestra sharing orchestral music with audiences across the country, completely free of charge.Creating opportunities for the next generation of music makers and music lovers is always a priority for Luke. They recorded last years New Years Eve special and a show celebrating Roberta Flack. Ive experienced that. Were a national advocacy and services organization thats been looking out for LGBTQ+ elders since 1978. Although not directly employed in Theater, Ms. Brall worked in community theater in this area as well as New Jersey and central Pennsylvania as a director, assistant director, stage manager and other behind the scenes jobs. Frazier is Conductor of the American Pops Orchestra which he founded in 2015 and the Principal Pops Conductor for the National Philharmonic. $ 0.00 - $ 35.00. Support National Philharmonic. Im going to carry that damn banner as long as it takes until they bury me in my piano. The conductor of the American Pops Orchestra is in back to back episodes of "One Voice: The Songs We Share" at. In very specific ways, I could find a phrase of music that sounded like something to me or it immediately cast a picture in my mind in those times when I needed it most. Data is great and data is helpful in so many ways, but also sometimes data is stifling, because there are so many people that would say, Well, if youre only going in once, thats not really going to have a lasting effect on anyone. I say, Youre looking at someone that it had a lasting effect on. So maybe in the pie chart, it doesnt show that, but I can tell you from my life, that string quartet that I saw one time when I was a kid is why Im here today. FRAZIER: Exactly. September 17-Luke Frazier. As a conductor you have very good hearing, and when youre looking around a room your ears just lock in like a laser to the voices. Its all a far cry from his upbringing deep in Appalachia. Luke is also passionate about finding outstanding college vocalists through APOs NextGen Vocal Competition, where winners earn cash prizes and career-boosting performance experiences. All Rights Reserved.Privacy Policy, A Visit to Hollywood led by Maestro Jack Everly. Both episodes were filmed in West Virginia. And in the classical music world, theres a tradition of being traditional. I had a chance to interview Luke Frazier who will be conducting his orchestra for this production. Frazier found those people in West Virginia. Youre not going to hear these singers sing this repertoire. I just didnt. In addition to these special programs, Luke also maintains a busy schedule as a clinician, speaker and panelist for educational organizations across the country.In addition to Lukes work with APO and PBS, he maintains a busy schedule as a guest conductor and pianist. And Ive been guest conducting a lot all over the place. Conductor Luke Frazier has a favorite line that he turns over and over in his head frequently. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. He is an avid proponent of the preservation and celebration of the American Songbook, as evidenced by his orchestral programming, his iTunes playlist, and his yearly tours to underserved schools in Appalachia. Im really picky about that, because, going back to my bigger point, its about the audience. He also led two holiday programs this December, The Family Holiday Letter a hilarious ensemble piece and his popular Christmas in Black and White, a family friendly program set to classic black and white films. Stan Engebretson Chorale Artistic Director Bio + Video. Luke is excited to serve as the inaugural Principal Pops Conductor for The National Philharmonic. When I was in elementary school, one of the things that really stands out to me to this day is there was a string quartet that came to our school. Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Create a password that only you will remember. If I see a thousand kids in a week and only [inspire] one of them, its still worth it to me. For people that theres no way they could afford those tickets, make them feel as valued as anyone else. PARKERSBURG A Parkersburg native will be the guest conductor of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra for its holiday shows. MW:Was your struggle with coming out partly due to religion? We go back and forth until we create something fresh and newand hopefully exciting for performers and audiences alike. In the past decade, the 32-year-old has made a name for himself surprising the music establishment as an enthusiastic, astute and young guest conductor for hire for classical ensembles around the region and, increasingly, the world. and the Maryland State Arts Council. You just need the right people to help you along the way.. After that, I stayed all over the region with the piano and conducting before moving to Washington, D.C., where Im based, he said. What weve done has increased dramatically since COVID, Frazier said. This Saturday, Jan. 6, APO kicks off the new year with Around The World in 80 Days at Arena Stage, where it is has established a cooperative residency. Each show is built from the ground up with original arrangements and innovative staging, all brought to life by a cast of stars, acclaimed and upcoming, to deliver what every audience wants to experience- a night they wont forget! A lot of kids who go on to be in the arts, their parents play an instrument or sing or took them to concerts a lot. Luke Frazier's Phone Number and Email. The family would also take long road trips to the deserts of Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, camping under the stars . WV native Luke Frazier celebrates American music. This philosophy has led Luke to be a pioneer in how, where, and what orchestras perform. I dont conduct things I dont like, because I cant give my all to it. What Ive seen a lot of, and what Im vehemently against, is completely watering down, pandering to the lowest common denominator. Luke Frazier began sculpting and drawing at a very young age, encouraged by his creative father, Jesse Frazier. One of the things I think about in all the work I do is how my background is full of so many styles of music. My parents arent musical at all. My philosophy: Why do we have to have every concert in a concert hall? Luke Frazier. MW:Do you play or include songs that you might not like yourself, on the theory that itll move someone else? Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Every day I try to spend time with the piano, not only to keep my fingers honest, but it also gives me a chance to keep exploring more and more types of music.How are Pops audiences different than those for symphonic orchestras?I dont believe there should be any difference between a pops audience and a symphonic audience. I had a lot of fun, [but] what I really wanted was the freedom and flexibility to just do whatever I want. Thats the exception, not the norm. Laura Colgate Concertmaster Bio + Video. In addition to these special programs, Luke also maintains a busy schedule as a clinician, speaker and panelist for educational organizations across the country.In addition to Lukes work with APO and PBS, he maintains a busy schedule as a guest conductor and pianist. Dance Review: Momentum: A Mixed Bill by Ballet Theater of Maryland at Maryland Hall, Theatre Review: Selling Kabul at Signature Theatre, Cappies Review: Legally Blonde The Musical at Walt Whitman High School, Operetta Review: Sigmund Rombergs The New Moon by Victorian Lyric Opera Company at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Concert Review: Hanzhi Wang, Accordion, Steven Banks, Saxophone, with Xak Bjerken, Piano at Candlelight Concert Society, Ballet Review: Balanchine! by The Washington Ballet at the Kennedy Centers Eisenhower Auditorium, Theatre Review: Into the Woods at the Kennedy Center Opera House, Theatre Review: The Book of Will at The Colonial Players, Theatre Review: Love Like Tuesday by Faction of Fools Theatre Company at Capital Hill Arts Workshop, News: Rockville Little Theatre Advances to Eastern States Theater Festival with Pride@Prejudice, News: Arena Stage and Round House Host Arts Administration and Management Hiring Fairs, Theatre Review: Twelfth Night presented by Her Majesty & Sons. Frazier is thrilled to have worked with an arsenal of incredible artists, most of whom he calls friend. One of the things I love is that it kind of fills a home with warmth, because everything is almost living, he says. Ive felt it myself many times. Its about changing peoples lives with music. Students ages 6-25: free To purchase tickets on-line visit fairfaxsymphony.org or tickets.com or by phone call 888-945-2468. None of them knew it. The performance will have never-before-heard arrangements created just for this broadcast. Frazier formed the American Pops Orchestra six years ago, where among other things, the organization sent musicians out to rural West Virginia schools to perform. And then my orchestras so diverse. Then I put all of those thoughts together and send them over to my team and we begin shaping from there. In April, Im going to takeAround the World in 80 Daysout on a tour of underserved schools in West Virginia. Four-way tie: "Wheel of Fortune" by Kay Starr; "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Aretha and Simon and Garfunkel; "Once Upon a Time" by Frank Sinatra; and "Wildflowers" by Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt. MW:Can you describe specific challenges youve faced in the classical world as a gay conductor? FRAZIER: Some. What do I think they could connect with naturally? Then, once you come up with that, figure out a way to tell that story to them and bring them in and make them feel welcome. Artists like Midori, Patti Labelle, Joshua Bell, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Josh Groban and so many more have joined the orchestra sharing orchestral music with audiences across the country, completely free of charge.Creating opportunities for the next generation of music makers and music lovers is always a priority for Luke. Each year Luke spends at least three weeks hosting free elementary school tours as well as finding outstanding college vocalists through APOs NextGen Vocal Competition. Luke is fortunate to call many of the worlds most incredible artists both friends and collaborators. Our rehearsals are always fun. 380 Hub Etchison PkwyRichmond, IN 47374(765) 966-5181, Kids of NoteRSO Sunset SeriesMusic GardenInstrument Petting Zoo, Copyright 2023 Richmond Symphony Orchestra. They include Mario Cantone (Sex and the City); Tony Award-winner, Gavin Creel; Ariana DeBose (the new West Side Story); Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner, Cynthia Erivo; Stephanie Hsu (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel); EGOT winner Rita Moreno; Grammy Award winning country artist, Jennifer Nettles; Alex Newell (Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist); Isaac Powell (from the upcoming film Dear Evan Hansen); Amber Riley (Glee); Gabrielle Ruiz (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend); and Tony Award-winner, Ali Stroker (The Glee Project). By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. What about personally? I love dinner parties, says Luke Frazier. Shaking things up to me means realizing we should honor and respect all audiences and community members and listen to what they want to hear their orchestra perform. Creating opportunities for the next generation of music makers and music lovers is always a priority for Luke. We defied all the odds to create a show that was one of a kind and so moving to the musicians and the audience - truly unforgettable! Senator from Idaho, serves as an ideal kind of home for the couples dinner parties and all manner of fundraising events, not to mention a perfect way to display the many fruits of Fraziers non-musical hobby: antiquing and estate-sale collecting. Weve reached out to tons and tons of organizations, and we give them prime tickets to our shows. Categories . Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. I think thats part of the fun of it, because then when kids go home, theyre talking with their parents and grandparents about the show. Prior to the performance Frazier will host a pre-concert discussion at 7 pm open to all ticket holders. Something went wrong while submitting the form, Copyright 2022 : The American Pops Orchestra. My mind is never satisfied living in one style of music and never has been. I was Methodist and Baptist my whole life growing up. Since last year, Frazier and the American Pops Orchestra have recorded 11 television programs for Public Broadcasting. Is it sexy? About Luke Frazier, Music Director and Conductor Maestro Luke Frazier. September marks the third consecutive year he will join forces with Michael Feinstein on the American Songbook Hall of Fame Gala. No. I wasnt someone brought up strictly with a classical training, or someone with a strictly musical theater background, or someone with a strictly jazz background. American Roots was recorded at the Marinoff Theater at Shepherd University. And I think the longer it takes people to find that out the quicker they lose their audiences. Were one of those anomaly stories, I suppose.. The school shows were a way to give back. They are also working on a series of shows reimagining Broadway musicals, which will be out beginning early 2022. Excerpts may be used if a credit and link is provided to our website. Away from his busy schedule with the Pops Orchestra, the antiques bring a welcoming atmosphere to Fraziers home life. Renee Fleming, Chita Rivera, Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Sandi Patty, Kristin Chenoweth, Jamie Barton, Paulo Szot, Vanessa Williams, Arturo Sandoval, Rita Moreno, Peter Frampton, Ricardo Morales and so many more have joined Luke on stage and screen for original programs of all varieties. Then when I got to college, I [initially] was going to a small private religious college. ET(check local listings)onPBS,PBS.organd thePBS Video App. Luke regularly works with orchestras across the country, conducting an array of classical and popular repertoire. Growing up in West Virginia and spending most of his career in New York City and Washington, D.C., Luke knows the breadth of audiences that can have their lives changed by music of all kinds.